173d Airborne Brigade Separate - Yearbook (Okinawa, Japan)

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Artillery — King of Battle Mission to support the other combal arms In fire. vita] component of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) is the 3d Bat- talion, 319th Artillei . The 319th trace- its histor) and traditions to Camp Gordon, Georgia, where it was formed in 1917 for action in France during WWI. It organizational colors bear streamers denoting action at Lorraine. St. Michael, and Meuse-Argonne. As a part of the famed 82nd Airborne Division dur- ing WWII, the 319th participated in the invasion of Sicily and the subsequent campaign up the Italian peninsula. Action on D-Day in Normandv. the air- borne invasion of Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes contributed more battle stream- ers to the colors of the 319th. Units of the 319th are Headquarters and Service Battery, A Battery, B Battery, and C Battery. 173d Support Battalion — the only unit of its kind in the United States Army. This battalion has the mission of providing administrative, medical, logistical, transportation, and main- tenance support to the 173d Air- borne Brigade (Separate). It also is responsible for packing and maintaining the parachutes and air items for the entire brigade. All of the technicians and spe- cialists required to operate and maintain the complex equipment of a modern Army, as well as chaplains, doctors, and administra- tive personnel, are concentrated within this battalion. These ded- icated personnel perform those es- sential functions which keep the combat soldier the best supplied and equipped in the world. Units of the 173d Support Bat- talion are A Company (Adminis- trative), B Company (Medical). C Company (Supply and Transporta- tion), and D Company (Mainte- nance). 173 RD AIRBORNE BRIGADE(SEP) UTM(£

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Q Co |173 D AIRB0RNE BRIGADE(SEP)s THE HEAD OF THE BEST HHC, 173D ABN. BDE. (SEP) The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) contains the personnel and equipment to the Brigade Commander for command and control of a complex fighting force. Within this company organization are located the staff officers who advise the commander within their area of responsibility; a communications platoon to ex- tend the voice of the commander to subordinate and higher organizations; an aviation platoon to give him mobility on the battlefield; a military police platoon to preserve law and order; and a security platoon to protect his com- mand post. Its motto of Ahead of the Best exemplifies its spirit and awareness of mission. vi- j - ■( jjjj a D COMPANY, 1 6th ARMOR. Company D, 16th Armor is the anti-tank protection for the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). This completely mobile and hard-hitting company has the capability of destroying any enemy tank in exist- ence today with its high velocity guns. Additionally, it can provide close fire support to the infantry by en- gaging o her targets with its destructive fire power. The fu racked vehicle with its 90MM guns are air deliverable by parachute and will accompany the brigade inl uemy held territory in the event of a parachute assault.

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1 73D ENGINEER COMPANY Let Us Try is the motto of the 173d Engineer Company of 173d Airborne Brigade. Whether there is an airfield to build, a demolitions task to be accomplished, streams or rivers to be crossed, roads or trails to be hacked out of the dense jungle, a minefield or barrier to be layed or erected or perhaps a schoolhouse to be built for the local people; it can and will be done by the 173d Engineer Company along with its other various missions. As can be seen this small but vital portion of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) stands prepared and willing to execute any and all missions. Its reservoir of ingenuity and professional know- how contributes to the success of the brigade combat elements and the Engineers history is replete with occasions when it also fought as combat infantry. TROOP E 17th CAVALRY Troop E, 17th Cavalry has inherited the history and dash of the United States Cavalry which subdued the wild West after the Civil War. The present eyes and ears of the Brigade Commander was originally formed in July, 1916. More recently, this cavalry squadron was designated by the United States Army to provide security for a division. It provides reconnaissance; offensive and defensive action; and to conduct independent action as required. This is the unit of the brigade which with its complete mobility ranges ahead and to the flanks to find the enemy and to report his location nd strength. A comb, ;ion of individual initiative, resourcefulness, thorough knowledge of scouting and patrolling and a toughness of ] and physique are prerequisites for duly with Troop E.